One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. On Friday, June 26th, hundreds of people from across the area will stay up all night trying to change that. The Cascade County Relay For Life brings together millions of people across the country each year to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer.

Great Falls resident Tammy Phelps has spent the last two weeks celebrating her new grandson Zack. But she knows not every grandparent is as lucky as her. Phelps says, "It just breaks my heart when grandchildren come into the world and never get to meet their grandparents because they've lost their fight."

Losing a loved one to cancer is something Phelps knows all to well. She says, "I was in ninth grade when my Mother was diagnosed with cancer and she fought for three years, and it was very difficult to watch her go from a vibrant woman to 90 pounds of skin and bone."

For the fourth year in a row, Tammy and her daughter Becky, along with hundreds of folks will share their stories this Friday at the Relay for Life. It's a way to celebrate the victory of those who have won their battle with cancer, and honor those who are still fighting the fight. Phelps notes, "Those of us who have personal stories and are able to share those with others, and I think it helps them to put a face with a disease."

It is a disease that has taken the lives of far too many, which is why Phelps wants to prevent others from becoming another statistic. Phelps says, "The best thing that I can do is to share with others how important it is that we're being tested, that we're doing early screening processes, that we're keeping ourselves as healthy as possible." Phelps stresses this message of early detection so others won't miss out on time with their grandchildren one day.

The Relay For Life is taking place at Montana Expo Park from 6:00 P.M. on Friday until 8:00 A.M. Saturday morning. Organizers say it's not too late to take part in the event or support other participants.
For more information go to:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14707